March 29, 2012

American Idol top 9- The Idols take on their “Idols”

By afterhourstv2

I am not sure what is going with Idol this year, but it’s really losing the spark it once had. It might because of the judges. When Simon was on the show, he would maybe stand up once a season to applaud a contestant. Now the judges stand up 5 TIMES during one show!  The overall praising of the contestants is becoming a bit extreme, and when they finally decide to criticize someone, their comments do not make any sense. I have always loved JLO and Steven Tyler, but not as American Idol Judges!

Last night, the standout for me was Elise. I thought she was absolutely incredible. She really nailed the song and gave a fantastic performance. I hope America starts to realize how talented she is and keeps her around for a while. She is one of the most exciting contestants to watch this season.

I also consistently enjoy Philip Philip’s performances. He is another great musician who can take on a song and make it his own. He is enjoyable to watch as well because he has no idea how good he is. I could see him being in the finale.

Besides Philip and Elise, none of the other performances stood out to me. Jessica has an amazing voice, so she always delivers but I didn’t love the arrangement of this performance.

Hollie has a beautiful voice, but she is become boring. She will have to start switching it up if she wants to make it further in the competition.

I thought Skylar was extremely comfortable on stage, but the song did nothing for her voice. She was almost shouting the lyrics instead of singing them. She has a lot of personality but this was not her best week.

Colton gave a pretty good performance, but I wasn’t jumping out of my chair. He really blew me away with Piano Man last week, but regardless I think he will be around for a while.

Joshua is another one who has a great voice, but his performances are becoming boring. I did not like that song for him at all, and was shocked with all the praise he received.

Heejun did better this week then he did last week, but overall it still wasn’t amazing. His personality is going to keep him in this competition, because he is actually hysterical. Almost like how Kelli Pickler was on her season. He keeps it interesting with this boring crowd!

I am not a fan of Deandre at all. I am shocked at how much the judges continue to praise him, I just don’t get it. I would send him home this week, but I have a feeling if he is in the bottom the judges would save him, which would be a huge waste!

I did like the duets last night, especially the combination of Phil, Elise and Colton. They really stood out! I remember last year when Haley and Casey did that amazing duet and even a few years back with Adam & Allison. Instead of wasting time talking and showing clips with Tommy Hilfiger I would love see more duets!

- Amanda

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March 22, 2012

American Idol-Top 10: Billy Joel

By afterhourstv2

I love that they used the Billy Joel songbook for this week.  It was also the first time Tommy Hilfiger gave the contestants his insight on their “look”.  Billy Joel has endless, classic songs that everyone knows.  A lot of the contestants picked well-known songs, but some picked more subtle ones.  Idol brought in Diddy to help Jimmy Iovine mentor the singers.  When I heard Diddy was helping, I didn’t understand why him of all people, but in the end, he did a great job.  My stand outs from this week were Elise, Phillip, and Colton….yes!  Colton!

Elise blew me away with her rendition of “Vienna”.  That song is not well known, but since I’m a huge Billy fan, I know it.  She really showed her skills and that she is a force to be reckoned with.  I voted for her A LOT, so I’m glad she finally wasn’t in the bottom three.

Check out her performance:

Phillip sang “Movin’ Out”….one of the classics.  He went against what Tommy Hilfiger said and wore not just ONE gray shirt, but TWO!  I love how he sticks to his guns and does what he wants to do.  He is following in the footsteps of Dave Matthews, who, as I’m sure you know, wears a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers when he performs. Kudos!

Phillip killin it on the stage:

I don’t usually change my opinion about Idol contestants, but Colton has made me honest.  His performance of “Piano Man” was almost as good as Billy Joel’s.  The entire performance, from the lights to the RED piano, was stellar.

Here is the star of the night with the red piano:

Now for the not so good:

First and foremost: Erika.  She sang “New York State of Mind”, and being that she is from Rhode Island, she was horrible.  She didn’t sing Billy’s melody at all, so she made her own bed.  Also, I find it very ironic that Tommy Hilfiger encouraged Erika to cut her hair, and the next day she was sent home!!  Now she has an ugly hair do and is sitting at home, not on Idol anymore.  I’m happy she’s gone!  I picked her to go home in my pool!  Although she has a good voice, she made too many mistakes and had to say goodbye.

Joshua- I understand and respect that he loves his religion and was brought up in church.  However, that doesn’t mean that he needs to bring everyone to church, every time he takes the stage.  Billy Joel songs are not intended to be sung the way he sang “She’s Got a Way”.

Skylar- Skylar who?  I always forget about her!

Hollie- She is a 40 year old stuck in an 18 year old’s body.  Tommy Hilfiger should be ashamed that he let her wear those clothes on stage.  She needs to start acting her age or she’s going to go bye-bye sooner than later.

Jessica- She was the only contestant who managed to pick a Billy Joel song no one has ever heard!  Nuff said…

Heejun- He was serious up until he made it into the top 10…now he’s a goofball!  He sang a terrible version of “My Life”, but has the Vote for the Worst crowd supporting him.  He also has a huge fan base in NYC.

And now the worst of the worst, in my opinion, DeAndre.  Tommy Hilfiger told him his hair was great.  I beg to differ.  He needs to chop that lion’s mane off.  The way he flips it from side to side as he bops on the stage like a Mickey Mouse Club member makes me sick.  He needs to go and SOON!  His performances are karaoke and/or bad wedding singer-esque.  It’s these times that I wish Simon was still on the show because he would rip DeAndre a new one!

"Ohhhh Lord-ah-mercy"

 

Jen

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March 15, 2012

American Idol-Top 11: The Birth Year

By afterhourstv2

Save the drama for your mama!!! Why hasn’t American Idol learned their lesson?  Two words:  BACKGROUND CHECK!

I think it’s ridiculous that the UN”GENTLE” Giant got this far in the competition.  The top 12?!  On top of telling us he was leaving, they had to show the tape of Jermaine being sent home.  He didn’t even care that he had to leave!  My Jersey pride was just knocked down a small notch.  He was terrible anyway. Good riddance!

Now onto the meat and potatoes of this week.  The birth year week.  I find it hilarious that only four out of the top 11 were born in the 80′s.  Oh wait….that just makes me old.  On a side note, I think they should have brought Jeremy back because Jermaine was just taking up space.  We are losing a week of valuable idol talent.

Despite how much I LOVE 80s music, I love 90s music just as much, if not more.  The two performances that stick out are Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone.  Phillip sang “Hard to Handle” by the Black Crows.  He picked a fabulous song and he nailed it.  HE HAD SURGERY earlier in the week!  What a trooper.  And like Jenny from the Block said, he was able to do well because it’s in his blood.

Elise was amazing also.  She sang “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green.  She blew it out the box.  It was growl-y, raspy, and amazing.  She redeemed herself and I am so happy she made it into the top 10.  She deserves to be there!

Now for the rest of the “Top 11″:

Jessica was mediocre.  Her performance was way to sing-songy.  But I disagree with Steven.  I don’t think she should sing ballads every week!

Thank you for the strip tease Joshua.  Not only was that unnecessary, but you’re not that good.

Colton was great, but no one knew his song!  It’s a good thing he can sing!

Heejun was okay.  I think he is starting to get on my nerves.

I’m on the fence about Hollie and her Irish brogue!  She’ll have a great St. Patty’s day now that she’s in the top 10!  Oh wait…..she’s 12.

I always seem to forget about Skylar.

And lastly, the bottom two: Shannon and Erika

I disagree with America for putting Erika in bottom.  She is a good singer, but did a horrible job with one of my favorites, “Heaven,” by Bryan Adams.

And now……it’s time for “WTF?!?”, with Jen.

Shannon, you sang Mariah Carey….WTF?!  Not only did you sing Mariah, but you sang “One Sweet Day.”  It is one of the most popular, if not the best, Mariah duets ever.  Why did you have to ruin it for me?  WTF?!  How did you get the least amount of votes if you’re on “Vote for the Worst“?!  In my Idol Fantasy league, I had you going home last week, but you weren’t even in the bottom.  This week you go home?! WTF?!

I’m glad I got that off my chest!

In my opinion, there is a three way race for the title between Jessica, Phillip, and Elise.  Maybe my views will change as the weeks go on, but that’s what it is for now.

Here is Phillip’s amazing performance:

Below is Elise’s incredible rendition of “Let’s Stay Together”:

I can’t wait to find out what the theme is for the Top 1o show!

Until next week….

Jen

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March 15, 2012

American Idol-Top 12 (nope, top 11 now!)

By afterhourstv2

Nothing like a little controversy to stir up the most boring season of American Idol to date! I don’t think anyone is actually going to miss Jermaine Jones but getting publicly humiliated in front of national television was definitely for a much-needed ratings boost. I am not sure what is making this season so lack-luster. I think there are a few excellent contestants but between the judges ridiculous comments and possibly all the other great singing shows out there, Idol is loosing some of its steam.

There were certainly a few standouts last night. One of my favorites, who has been extremely consistent so far is Phillip Phillips. I love the tone to his voice and overall, is one of the more interesting people to watch on stage.

I also think the judges were completely wrong in their criticism of Jessica Sanchez. Although I didn’t love the song choice, she really knows how to sing and use the stage. If she is not in the finale at this point, I would be shocked.

I also loved Holly Cavanaugh. She took on a Celion Dion song which is nearly impossible to do, and actually made it work. For such a small girl, she has a huge voice and sings effortlessly. I have been impressed with her since the beginning.

The other contestant I enjoyed last night was Joshua Ledet. I haven’t always been a huge fan of his, but last night I thought he gave an exciting and fun performance.

American Idol Performances

The other contestants for the most part were pretty boring. I truly hope this season starts to pick up fast!  I wonder if the judges will save someone tonight, or use it at a later date. Tonight Chris Daughtry & Demi Lovato will be performing!

-Amanda

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March 8, 2012

American Idol – Top 13 (Whitney vs. Stevie)

By afterhourstv2

So they start the top 13 show with the first twist of the season.  Ryan announced, first thing, that the results show was going to be a little different this week.  They were going to reveal the bottom girl and bottom boy and then the judges were going to pick who stays and who goes.  I hope this doesn’t happen next week!

With that being said, last night’s show was okay.  I love and hate that they dedicated a week to Whitney.  Yes, she deserves to be recognized, but I think they could have found a different way to honor her.  In the past, whenever a girl would sing a Whitney song, she could never pull it off.  Last night wasn’t any different WITH THE EXCEPTION of Jessica Sanchez.  ”Wow,” is all I can say.  She was absolutely amazing, and is clearly the front-runner this season.  The other girl that stood out for me was Erika Van Pelt.  I think she is really good, but apparently America didn’t agree!

The boys sang Stevie Wonder.  I love Stevie and I was fairly disappointed with the performances.  I thought Josh was great and Phillip was outstanding.  I can smell a Jessica/Phillip finale.  That is, if people don’t get tired of the whole “Dave Matthews” aura Phillip has.  I LOVE Dave Matthews and if Phillip can keep up his momentum and show some versatility, I think he has a chance. (Do I sound like Jimmy Iovine?!)

Now for the people who I loathed.  I do not like Jermaine “The Gentle Giant” Jones.  I think he sounds like he has phlegm stuck in his throat.  Next up is Shannon.  She was sooo terrible.  She didn’t hit the most important note in her song!!  I also didn’t like Deandre.  I didn’t understand a word he sang and his dance moves reminded me of kids dancing in The Mickey Mouse Club.  He needs to go immediately.

The bottom three girls were: Erica, Elise, and Shannon.  The bottom three guys were: Jermaine, Jeremy, and Josh.  In the end, the bottom two people were Jeremy Rosado and Elise Testone.  I can’t be happier that they saved Elise.  She’s a Jersey girl!!  Yes, she was terrible, but I think that she is a really good singer and that she was just super nervous.  She better bring her A game next week, or else it might be sayonara!! Now, for Jer Bear, he was pretty bad, too.  Although he was good during auditions and Hollywood week, he wasn’t ready for the big leagues.  Good luck Jeremy!  You’re a good person with a big heart!

Until next week.

Jen

Here are the star performances of the week:

Jessica Sanchez singing Whitney Houston’s famous “I Will Always Love You”

Phillip Phillips singing my favorite Stevie Wonder song “Superstition”

 

P.S. I LOVE HEEJUN!!

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March 6, 2012

Smash

By afterhourstv2

Smash is my new favorite show!  Katharine McPhee is in it and I was hoping that eventually she would make it, even though she didn’t win Idol.  I was hesitant to watch because I didn’t want to get into another show in which spontaneous singing takes place.  But, I watched the first episode and was instantly hooked.  It really helped that all of the men in the show are extremely good looking!  The premise of the show is two people, Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle) are Broadway show writers.  Julia was taking time off to be with her family and adopt a child…so both Julia and Tom are supposed to take time off together.  They come up with this idea of making a Broadway show about the hot Marilyn Monroe, but were hesitant to go through with the plans.  They finally decided to “see how it goes” and hold casting calls and write some songs.  The rest is history!

The cast of Smash

I love that Katherine McPhee can show off her singing AND acting skills in this show.  Also, it’s nice to see a more serious side of Deborah Messing and see her playing a mom and working woman.  What a change from Will and Grace!  They also found enormous talent in Megan Hilty.  Talk about a big break!  She looks and acts just like Marilyn!  After all of the auditions, Ivy (Megan Hilty) landed the lead role of Marilyn over Karen (Katharine McPhee).  Karen ends up in the show as part of the ensemble.

Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty) portraying Marilyn Monroe

Now…something that makes me think.  What happens when, Marilyn, the show, is over?  Will the show end?  Will they get rid of Megan Hilty because they don’t need her anymore?  I know there is always drama that can go on that can delay the process, but from the eyes of a viewer, I hope Marilyn makes it big!  I can’t wait to see what unfolds between Ivy and Karen as the season and “workshops” progress.  I guess we will see what happens at the end of the season.

Another big name that is linked to the show is Anjelica Houston.  She plays Eileen Rand, the producer of “Marilyn”.  The show’s funding is supposed to come from her, but she is in the middle of an ugly divorce from her husband…the rich one.  This story line is very amusing!

If you haven’t seen any episodes of Smash, I highly recommend starting from the beginning.  Watch it On Demand!  For those of you Jonas Brothers lovers, Nick Jonas had a guest role in last Monday’s episode!  See how he is helping the production of “Marilyn”!

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March 1, 2012

American Idol-Season 11 Top 13

By afterhourstv2

Here it is!  The top 13 contestants on American Idol, Season 11, have been determined.  Here is the top 10 that America voted in:

Phillip Phillips
Jessica Sanchez
Hollie Cavanagh
Joshua Ledet
Heejun Han
Shannon Magrane
Skylar Laine
Elise Testone
Colton Dixon
Jermaine Jones

Wild Cards (Judges’ picks):

Erika Van Pelt (Randy Jackson’s pick)
Jeremy Rosado (Jennifer Lopez’s pick)
Deandre Brackensick (Steven Tyler’s pick)

I have to say, I was very satisfied with America’s top 10 choices….with one exception.  The “Gentle Giant”.  He is awkwardly big and doesn’t have much of a personality.  I don’t think he is a good singer and I think America just took pity on him.  Why?  I don’t know!

I really like what they did to determine the rest of the 13.  The girls they picked to sing were good.  As long as Erica Van Pelt made it in, I didn’t really care about anyone else.  I think America made a mistake by not voting her into the top 10.  Too many country girls this time around!

As for the boys they picked to sing for their lives, I strongly disagreed with one.  Deandre Brackensick is by far the worst singer in the competition.  Yes, he can sing in falsetto, but the way he sings is too weird for me.  He sings low, he sings high and the in falsetto, then he screams.  I can’t take it an I can’t take the hair flipping and strange faces he makes.  I hope he doesn’t end up as one of those people that stays around because 13 year-old girls are voting for him!  I was surprised they didn’t have Adam Brock sing to stay in the competition.  I was under the impression that all of the judges loved him and thought he has a great voice.  I sure did!  Better than Deandre, that’s for sure! I was disappointed Reed didn’t take his opportunity to redeem himself seriously.  The way he sang was a joke, and, as a result, he’s on his way home tonight.  I liked him a lot.  Jeremy Rosado definitely deserved to be in this competition.  Not only is he a great singer, but also a good person!

I can’t begin to express how excited I am that next week the girls are going to sing Whitney Houston.  I can’t wait!  And I always love my Stevie Wonder songs.  Next week’s show should be off the charts!!

Jen

P.S.  Word to the wise:  If you want to stay in the competition, DO NOT sing an Adele song!!  That goes for Mariah too!

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February 15, 2012

Glee- Heart

By afterhourstv2
 Love was in the air through the halls of McKinley! With Valentine’s Day on full display, the Glee cast did not disappoint with the newest episode.  We were finally introduced to The other Glee Project Winner, Samuel Larson! He is playing a Jesus loving home schooled bible versed guy named Joe Hart who is the newest member of the G-D Squad, a G-D loving group consisting of Quinn, Mercedes and Sam. The group decides in exchange for money to sing Valentine’s Day grams.

The group did an excellent version of “Stereo Hearts” which was sung to Rachel as a gift from Finn.  

Rachel & Finn decided to tell the Glee club they were engaged. Obviously, receiving a very mixed reaction but the harshest criticism coming from Quinn & Kurt, who think they are absolutely insane and rushing into things.

We finally met Rachel’s dads! Jeff Goldblum and Broadway vet Brian Stokes Mitchell are the perfect combination. They are exactly how I pictured they would be! They attempt to do reverse phycology on Rachel & Finn, pretending they are happy about their engagement and even letting them share a room in their house! The plan backfires through when Rachel and Finn announce they want to get married sooner than later.

I am not sure where they are going to go with this marriage idea. I can’t see them actually going through with it, although Rachel & Finn are so cute together it would be sad if they broke up as well.

Mercedes is having her own love issues. She admits to her boyfriend that she cheated on him with Sam and ends up breaking up with both of them. She ends up singing one of the best versions I have ever heard of “I Will Always Love You” really doing Whitney justice. This song, ironically was always scheduled to be in this episode before the death of Whitney Houston but Mercedes really nailed it. I had the chills the entire time she was singing. It was not only the best song of the night but one of the best performances ever on Glee.

Sugar Matta, played to perfection by the hilarious Vanessa Lengies took front and center this episode. Her rich father agreed to rent out Breadsticks and rename it the “Sugar Shack” so that she could have a Valentine’s Day party. Both Artie and Rory started fighting for her attention and ultimately she went with Rory, after his beautiful rendition of “Home” by Michael Buble.  I truly hope Sugar sticks around and becomes more prominent on this show, she is extremely entertaining!

Santana & Brittany also finally had some screen time to be affectionate and Kurt had a secret admirer, who revealed himself to be Dave Karovsky! Kurt gently let him down because of Blaine, but I have a feeling that is not the end of this storyline.

The group comes together at the end to sing a fun version of “Love Shack”  and Blaine is back! Next week is the winter finale and Reginals. We will also find  out what happens with Rachel and Finn. I heard there is a huge cliff-hanger at the end of the episode, I wonder what it will be?

-Amanda

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February 14, 2012

The Voice! Blind Auditions

By afterhourstv2

I absolutely love THE VOICE. Hands down, the best singing competition on T.V! Not having the terrible weird auditions really makes the show more entertaining and exciting. I also love the dynamics between Adam Levine, Cee-Lo, Christina and Blake. Intead of mocking the contestants, they are truly advising them and guiding them in the right direction. There has been a lot of talent so far, but here are a few of my favorites

Tony Lucca- An old college of Christina! He was on the Mickey Mouse Club with her. She didn’t recognize him right away, but eventually did and was so excited. He ended up picking Adam as his mentor, which is a perfect fit. Not only did he have a really great voice, but he is adorable!

Tony Lucca Audition

Lindsey Pavao- This girl has a really unique and authentic voice. I loved her audition and I think she will be one to watch. She made the right choice with Christina as her mentor.

Lindsey Pavao Audition

Erin Martin- Model Erin Martin really surprised me. I kept assuming she would be terrible and no one would pick her. I was pleasantly shocked by her raspy engaging vocal and I loved her rendition of Hey There Delilah. Cee-Lo will be an excellent mentor to her.

Erin Martin Audition

Brian Fuente- Country/Indie Rock Singer Brian was another one who had a fabulous audition. I love his look and voice. Blake is the perfect mentor for him and so far, I think the best one Blake has on his team.

Brian Fuente Audition 

So excited for the auditions next week and the battle rounds coming up!

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February 6, 2012

Last American Idol Auditions-Portland and St. Louis

By afterhourstv2

All I can say is THANK GOODNESS auditions are over!!  Last week wasn’t even worth writing about!  This week, two people have motivated me to react to the show.

On a side note, I was in Portland, Oregon this summer while the auditions were being held.  I know, I know…you are all thinking, “Why were you in Oregon?!”  No, I wasn’t there to try out.  I was there for my little cousin’s Bar Mitzvah (which happened to be on my birthday).  Although I didn’t get a chance to check out the auditions and hang with Steven, Jennifer, and Randy, I did go to place where they made those “Ryan Secrest” donuts.  It’s called VOODOO DOUGHNUTS.  Check out that website for the craziest donuts you’ve ever seen or heard of!  If you are ever in Portland, you MUST go to this place!  Most delicious donuts…ever!

Now onto those two auditions.  They both came from St. Louis because no one from Portland stood out in my mind.  Johnny Keyser and his moving story really got to me.  I was really hoping that he was good because of his story AND the fact that he is soooo sexy!  Low and behold, he “blew it out the box” and moved onto Hollywood.  He sang “A Change is Gonna Come”, by Sam Cooke.  The judges didn’t want him to stop singing!!

Here is his audition:

The other contestant is Rachelle Lamb.  As soon as I saw her adorable daughter, I was pulling for her.  She is getting a divorce from a man who was holding her back from pursuing her dream.  She got rid of the dead weight…and went for it all!  She sang “Find Somebody New”, by Faith Hill.

Here is her audition:

Hollywood week starts in two days!  I can’t wait!!

 

Jen

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